We're seven weeks into the 2026 MLS season already! While on one hand, it's a sobering reminder of the increasing rapidity at which time passes, it's also a large enough sample size for the data power rankings to start being reliable.
We're doing things a little differently this year...
New live Power Rankings app and the OPI model
Our power rankings are solely created by a data-based model we've pretentiously labeled "the Overall Performance Index" (OPI). This new model includes the same factors as the prior edition (points per game, strength of schedule, goal difference, and expected goal difference), while adding several other factors to provide a more rounded picture.
Ben Wright
We've built a really cool Power Rankings app that updates in real time and lets you explore the data. It also has an in-depth explainer of the methodology we use. We're continuing to build out some of the coolest interactive data apps in independent soccer media, and we hope you'll follow along with us!
A quick note on this week's rankings – we had a slight bug with the way OPI and rank changes are processed, and as a result, those numbers in the app are not accurate this week. We've resolved the issue in the app, and the correct values will be reflected after the next round of matches and going forward.
The Vancouver Whitecaps continue leading the way in MLS, tied with the San Jose Earthquakes on a league-leading 2.57 points per game. The 'Caps so far have the best underlying numbers in the league, and also have the 11th-hardest Strength of Schedule (SoS) in the league. That gives them the edge over the 'Quakes, who rank 24th in strength of schedule, despite some pretty darn impressive underlyings themselves.
The 'Caps have a major advantage that is almost certainly artificially inflating their score – playing at home. They've played six of their seven matches at BC Place, the most home games of any team in MLS. It's giving them a huge boost now, but on the flipside, they could see their OPI drop as they start playing on the road. I'd put money on it happening.
Nashville SC make a push into third place with a 2-1 win on the road against Charlotte FC, passing LAFC by just 0.13 OPI points. They're making a strong case to be the most balanced team in OPI terms, and seem (to me) the most likely of the "elite" labeled teams to maintain this level across the season.
Nashville have the 18th-toughest SoS in MLS, the second-best among the "elite" labeled teams. Their +11 goal differential is tied with San Jose for third in the league. They also have been one of the most balanced teams in terms of home and away performance – they lead the league with three points per game at home, and are fifth on the road with 1.75 points per game. They've also played a balanced schedule – three home, four away – meaning they're not falling into the Vancouver trap of home form boosting their numbers.
LAFC aren't far behind Nashville at all. They've both scored 15 goals (behind only Vancouver and Colorado), but LAFC excel defensively, with just two goals allowed all season (both against Portland Timbers this weekend). They are hurt, though, by the model's assessment of their schedule. Only Chicago Fire have had an easier SoS so far this season, and the lack of statement wins dings them a bit.
Three teams are already in the negative – Sporting Kansas City (-1.14), CF Montréal (-3.05), and Orlando City (-5.66). It's perhaps fitting that two of these teams have already fired their coaches, and all three are conceding goals at alarming rates. This trio looks like they'll be the punching bags every week. With OPI scores this low, though, even narrow wins against these teams could negatively impact opponents' scores. They're bad enough that playing them lowers SoS, and a hefty win is needed to overcome that.
Come back next week for another breakdown, and check in with our Power Rankings app for live updates.
